Prosthetic Limbs Essay

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Prosthetic limbs are artificial devices that have the ability to replace a human body part and its function. Prosthetic limbs are constantly changing and adapting with new technology and advanced capabilities. Prosthetics can be used for almost any external body part with a function, factoring into as minor a limb as a toe. Prosthetics are most commonly used among the ill, injured, and disabled, and they are constantly changing based on the needs of the user. Prosthetic limbs have been changing in look, ability and function since the Egyptian times. Starting with the earliest known prosthetic limb found, a toe, on an Egyptian mummy (Norton; Marshall). The toe was made out of fiber and bronze. In ancient Rome, a General in the second Punic war lost his hand, and was given a prosthetic one in its place. During the Renaissance period, prosthetic limbs were made out of iron, steel, copper, and even wood (Norton). During the 15’ and 1600’s, the first advancements in locking prosthetics surfaced. In the 1500s prosthetics were controlled by metal locks and springs (Norton). In the 1600s the first advancements to below the knee, locking prosthetics were made (Marshall). Those advancements were sure to lead to bigger possibilities. …show more content…

Today’s prosthetics are lighter and more realistic looking, using rubber and plastic covers (Norton). Prosthetic limbs are now able to imitate realistic function easier, and perform physical activities (Norton; Baird). With the help of physical therapy, the users can run and even ski when using advanced prosthetic limbs. By focusing on reducing the friction and improving gait in a prosthetic, comfort of a patient is increased tremendously (Marshall). Newer and more intricate limbs are more comfortable and

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